Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve Plan of Management

Almost half the area of the reserve is comprised of a lagoon formed by the backed up waters of the Bong Bong Weir. Consequently the reserve is an important habitat for native bird species and in particular wetland birds.

The reserve is historically interesting as a portion of the land granted to Dr. Charles Throsby, a member of the first official exploration party in the Southern Highlands, and because of its proximity to the first European village in the Southern Highlands.

The reserve contains important stands of Paddy's River Box Eucalyptus macartharii and snow gum  E. pauciflora and a range of other native species. Protection of these is provided for in this plan of management.

Considerable emphasis is given in the plan to regeneration of a native vegetation cover similar to that which would have occurred prior to clearing, combined with control of weeds.

The southern section of the reserve was enclosed by a macropod-proof fence containing a large kangaroo population. The plan of management adopted by the Minister for the Environment in October 1998 recognised that maintenance of captive native animals was not appropriate in a nature reserve. Following removal of the captive kangaroos due to flooding, the plan was amended to provide that they not be re-introduced into the reserve.

The reserve is valuable for education about the wetland environment and for scientific research. This plan of management provides for expansion of the educational and research opportunities provided in the reserve.

Photo: Paddy's River Box (Eucalyptus macarthurii) , Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve / Barry Collier